Kohima: Rural workers in Nagaland just got a massive pay bump. Wages jumped 24.5 percent, the highest increase across the entire country. The change comes under the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin Act, 2025. This law replaced the old MGNREGA framework on Wednesday.
The act pushes the guaranteed work days from 100 to 125 per rural household. Nagaland now hits an interim base wage of Rs 300 per day. Arunachal Pradesh also saw the same steep percentage increase. The shift helps 21 states that previously lagged below the new base floor. Workers previously earning as little as Rs 241 per day will see more cash in their pockets.
Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan says the government aimed for fairness. "Along with expanding the employment guarantee to 125 days, we have ensured better wages for rural workers. The largest increase has been provided to States where wages were historically lower, so that those who need the greatest support benefit the most."
The national average pay now sits at Rs 327.4 per day. That is a ten percent jump over the old rates. Other regions like Haryana, Goa, Kerala, and Sikkim now see daily wages exceeding Rs 400. The revision reaches every state and Union Territory, marking a major overhaul for the national rural employment program.
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